A philanthropist is someone who devotes her or his time, money, or effort towards helping others. The label is most often applied to someone who gives large amounts to charity. See also philanthropy.

A philanthropist does not always find universal approval for her or his deeds. Common accusations include supporting the wrong cause (such as funding art instead of fighting world hunger) or having selfish motivation at heart (such as avoiding taxes).

Notable philanthropists

• Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury
• Alfred Lee Loomis
• Andrew Carnegie
• Anthony J. Drexel
• Arthur Coles
• Harry Fischel
• Benjamin Franklin
• Bill Cosby
• Bill Gates
• Bill Gates Senior
• Calouste Gulbenkian
• Cornelius Vanderbilt
• Edward Harkness
• Elizabeth Fry
• Fred Kavli
• George Cadbury
• George Soros
• Henry Duncan
• J. C. Jacobsen
• Joan Kroc
• John D. MacArthur
• John D. Rockefeller
• John 'Mad Jack' Fuller
• Johns Hopkins
• Joseph Rowntree
• Joseph Whitworth
• Julius Rosenwald
• Paul Allen
• Robert Raikes
• Samuel Augustus Barnett
• Steve Kirsch
• Ted Turner
• Thomas John Barnardo
• Walter Annenberg
• William Marsh Rice
• William Wilberforce
• Clara Winthrop
• Sir Alfred Yarrow
• Sir Robert Mayer
• Sir Run Run Shaw

See also

• Category:Philanthropists